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The Dutch Consumers’ Association has filed a complaint with the Games of Chance Authority (Kansspelautoriteit, “KSA”) regarding misleading advertising by a licensed charity lottery. Consumers were misled by a “free” tickets campaign, organized by the lottery.

In the second week of July, the lottery sent thousands of envelopes with a text suggesting that free amusement park entrance tickets amounting to € 72,- would be included. However, in reality the recipients would only be eligible for the tickets after the purchase of lottery tickets.

Consumers expressed their dissatisfaction about the lottery making a specific promise on the envelope, while consumers were actually required to participate in the lottery on payment for a minimum period of three months. In addition, the message was personally directed to the recipient, implying that the recipient had won a prize. Moreover, a free prize on payment may not be labeled ‘free’. Therefore, the Consumers’ Association requested the KSA to take action against the lottery involved.

The lottery has apologized and stated that it finds it regrettable that the envelope was clear enough for everyone. The KSA has taken up the complaint; if it appears that the lottery has violated the rules, the lottery could be subject to a warning or fine.

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